NSW kicking game killed them. Forwards from NSW won the battle for 60 mins, but lacked agression in later parts. Mullen played well for the Blues, Hayne went from hero to zero – thinking it was a 40/20 kick. NSW line defence was poor, rush defence needs altering for game 2. Hindy try really wasn’t a try – so NSW could have been even worse off.QLD played a patient game, after copping it early – The Queenslanders through Locky and JT came into play with sublime long kicks. Good dummy half service from Cam Smith setup the Steve Price try to get QLD back on a good roll. Tony Carroll was fierce all night and drove the Blues backwards – really giving good lift to his team. Should QLD pick Slater in game 2 they will be even more potent. A good close game that typified Origin contests.